VanGogh121
Melba Toast
That sump is too tall for any descent skimmer, I would go with a new sump, Take about 4 inches off.
Oh MAN, I'm made a HUGE mistake on a purchase.
- Thread starter thomasdo87
- Start date
- Tagged users None
OP
OP
wow i dont know why i didnt think of just getting a new sump and just get a shorter one and then it would be much easier to work with.
GrouperGenius
Active Member
Just keep in mind, the overflow when the return pump is off.
Size does matter.....:bigsmile:
acronautical
acronautical
I'd build a new stand. Your stand is too short for the sump as it is, because it looks like you can barely fit your hand/arm inside to manipulate anything.
Viva'sReef
Valuable Member
New stand for sure....the Minis have really small skimmate collection area. Yes the cup itself is big, but because 2/3 of it is actually the neck the area that holds skimmate is small and doest hold much. Plus you will want to clean the top of the neck every few days. It skims much better without the buildup. You will also want to easily take out the skimmer body to clean every couple months
OP
OP
That is true too, I think itd be cheaper for a new stand anyways.
lol, you have no idea, even taking the sump in and out, i have use some magic.
LOL only if i had an extra automatic head cleaner. JK. i guess this is a chance to build a new stand.
OP
OP
Lol. If anything I want a metal stand this time around. Only if Dfason's stand would fit my tank...
That is the problem the way the skimmer is in there and the height of it its stuck.
I decided to keep the skimmer and find another way to make this slightly more convenient
+1
I'm in the exact same situation... I have to remove my sump to remove the entire skimmer, but the cup can come off whenever. My stand is nice and low at 28" high, but mades it "interesting" when it came to fitting everything in. I wouldn't change it for the world though. I rarely remove the skimmer to clean the entire thing. However I am able to remove the pump from my skimmer (SWC Mini cone) without removing the sump and skimmer body. I don't run a fuge so no algae grows in/on/around the skimmer body which helps keep it nice and clean.
When the time comes to clean the entire skimmer, pump all the water out of the sump. Move it, and pump fresh SW back into it. Clean skimmer and water change at the same time. It's easy for me to move my sump around though, yours appears to be a bit more challenging.
Last edited:
something important for everyone to know when buying skimmers.
the dimension they always give is for the base plate...
NOT the total dimensions of the skimmer. i.e. plumbing, pumps, hoses etc..
if your sump is going to be a tight fit for anything, be sure to have someone who already has the unit, or the store youre buying it from measure the actual dimensions at their widest points.
this can really save you a lot of headaches.
on that note, depending if you have any extra room for an even slightly larger sump, old acrylic tanks are VERY easily cut down in height, and make fantastic sumps.
the dimension they always give is for the base plate...
NOT the total dimensions of the skimmer. i.e. plumbing, pumps, hoses etc..
if your sump is going to be a tight fit for anything, be sure to have someone who already has the unit, or the store youre buying it from measure the actual dimensions at their widest points.
this can really save you a lot of headaches.
on that note, depending if you have any extra room for an even slightly larger sump, old acrylic tanks are VERY easily cut down in height, and make fantastic sumps.
Looking at the photos, it appears the sump is acrylic and could be cut down easily with a table saw or router and straightedge or router table. I don't think this would do much though since the skimmer cup is almost touching the underside of the stand and still could not be removed for cleaning.
I built my stand taller for just this reason plus added an additional 6" front to back for 24" even though the tank is only 18" which gave me much more room for the sump and equipment plus a 6" shelf in back for a closed loop pump and ballasts to sit on. The added height also brings it up for better frontal viewing when standing.
I built my stand taller for just this reason plus added an additional 6" front to back for 24" even though the tank is only 18" which gave me much more room for the sump and equipment plus a 6" shelf in back for a closed loop pump and ballasts to sit on. The added height also brings it up for better frontal viewing when standing.
Stunreefer and I have cut down a few acylic tanks over the past year, and with the right router bit, some strong double stick tape, and some guides made from small wood stock it takes only seconds.
Maybe Austin can post some pics of his that we did.
Maybe Austin can post some pics of his that we did.
stedfast82
Well-Known Member
i have a 40 gal long refugium on my 110 gal full of live rock ive had the problem with sumps. in the past i just went simple this time every one go's and buy's these (sumps) and have the problem's i have done it my self! think out side the box. go simple you could build a new stand i would go at least 30 inch high if that's the case you should be good at 30 to 34 inch stand in my opinion a sump with all the chamber's is a waste of time and money but what do i know i cant even spell lol
Last edited:
